Nechelyustovite is a rare member of the labuntsovite group typically found as yellowish-brown prismatic crystals or radial clusters. It is primarily known from the alkaline pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif in Russia, where it forms in association with other rare alkaline minerals.
Is this nechelyustovite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch nechelyustovite with a known reference. Nechelyustovite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nechelyustovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nechelyustovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.
Often found alongside nechelyustovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nechelyustovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Ba,K,Ca)₄(Ti,Nb)₄(Si₄O₁₂)(O,OH)₄·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.95 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Pegmatites in Alkaline Complexes
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find nechelyustovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic pegmatites in alkaline complexes country — that is the host setting where nechelyustovite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find nechelyustovite on the map
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